On this episode, we do something really cool: take you out on a car photo shoot with renowned auto photographer Michael Alan Ross. After you watch our project with him, go right out and take a few photos of your car. Notice how much better they look than the last ones you took.

I really like our Smarter Driver segment this week: staged accidents and how to avoid them. You'd be surprised how many wrecks are bogus. We'll show you the red flags to look for, the one critical tip to avoid them, and what to do after one. (I'd swear there was a "Kojak" episode that dealt with staged accidents in NYC, but I'm damned if I can find it. Anyone?)

The parts of a car's body are something of a foreign language. I mean, really: sail panel? Our Car Tech 101 this episode makes it all clear. You'll be hanging out at the bar with body shop guys in no time.

A little less than a year ago, we listed the Top 5 fuel-saving technologies. So many more have become mainstream, its time for another list. And when you watch that segment, take note of the MIT survey we cite and remember that next time you blame someone else for today's level of MPG economy. Consumers have a lot to do with it being relatively low.

Our next episode will be posting on September 30 after we take a delayed summer break so I can launch our new show, The Next Big Thing on September 12.

About the author

Brian Cooley joined CNET in 1995 and always comes at technology from the real consumer's point of view. He brings his high energy, often skeptical style to all avenues of CNET coverage, with an emphasis on car tech. You'll also find him frequently on television, radio and the TV screens at Costco!
See full bio